UK. 25 May 2011 - Panasonic today announced the Toughbook CF-31mk2 bringing increased performance and flexibility to its flagship ruggedized range. Designed to access applications and data in the most extreme mobile computing environments, the CF-31 has become the fully rugged device of choice for utilities, emergency services and military personnel. Whether working in adverse weather, wet conditions, underground or where space restrictions would usually hamper productivity, the CF-31 ensures that mobile workers perform to their optimum at all times. The CF-31mk2, which is available in two different models (Standard and Performance) offers increased computing power, a range of enhanced management functionality and connectivity.

Toughbook CF-31

Increased performanceSpecifically designed for field-based professionals who need advanced graphic performance or access to mapping applications, the new Toughbook CF-31 Performance Model offers the ultimate combination of graphics delivery and supreme ruggedness. Powered by the 2nd generation Intel® Core™ i5-2540M with AMD Radeon™ HD 6750M switchable graphics, the top of the range performance model can switch between enhanced and integrated Intel® HD 3000 graphics performance to save power when on the move. The Standard Model uses the performance Intel® Core™ i5-2520M vPro with Intel® HD 3000 graphics.

Increased management functionalityThe CF-31 also includes the new Toughbook Dashboard*1 designed to simply and conveniently customize each Toughbook to the user’s preferred settings, providing a user friendly quick launch interface. The Toughbook Dashboard also allows easy management of the device using helpful tools, such as the popular Panasonic Power Management Utilities technology and Panasonic PC Viewer utility.

For military purposes, the CF-31 also comes with a Concealed Mode for use in mission critical environments. Using this feature, the Toughbook can go into “silent mode” by disabling the Fan, the backlight, status LED’s, speakers and communication (3G, W-LAN, Bluetooth) as specified.

Built to stay connected on the moveEnsuring mobile workers can always stay in touch when on the move, the Toughbook CF-31mk2 offers the Ericsson F5521gw HSPA+ (DL: 21 Mbps) module with wireless ready connection manager and Wake On Wireless as options. It also includes a dedicated wireless switch allowing users to switch connections on and off to improve operating time.

Optionally the device can be switched into the Anti-Theft-Protection mode by utilizing the latest Intel® ATP technology.

The power to lastTo ensure that field technicians and engineers have a device that can work for as long as they do, even when access to power is lost, the CF-31 Standard model can operate for up to 13.5 hours running on Windows 7. In addition, the CF-31mk2 allows for an optional secondary battery pack to be attached via the multimedia bay in the Standard Model. This addition allows users to hot swap the main battery, ensuring the unit can be operated around the clock by revolving the batteries or simply extending the battery life of the unit by up to 6.5 hours.

All units also use the Panasonic Power Management Utilities technology to maximize power efficiency by managing the power of all relevant resources required by the CPU depending on each task or by definition of individual user profiles. In addition, the CF-31 runs on Panasonic’s own high-capacity battery cells designed to deliver maximum device performance and safety.

Screen visibility even in direct sunlightThe ability to see data and applications on screen in bright sunlight is essential for field workers. The CF-31 uses Panasonic’s Circular Polarizing technology to deliver market leading clarity with brightness displays of 1,200cd/m² and a very low reflection ratio on its touchscreen, 13.1” XGA display. The CF-31 also contains a floating mounted LCD design to protect from screen shocks.

Better than ever reliability and durabilityWith magnesium alloy casing, inside and out, and Panasonic’s anti-scratch coating, the CF-31mk2 remains the toughest Toughbook to date. It is MIL-STD drop tested and has water, dust, vibration and temperature protection giving it an impressive IP65, MIL STD 810G rating.

With HDD damping and rugged casing systems to optimise drop protection and an HDD heater and Panasonic’s foam packing system to provide flexible seals, the CF-31 can operate in even the harshest conditions.

The CF-31 is equipped with a Hybrid Cooling System combining a passive and active cooling process. In the passive process heat is distributed by pipes from heat critical areas to the cooling hub.

Flexibility to configureAdapting to fast changing circumstances is also an essential capability for a field device. The CF-31 has a built-in configuration slot, which can be configured on a project basis at the time of order, for a 2nd LAN, firewire or modem. Interfaces in the form of 4 USB ports, a HDMI port and optional a Smart Card reader, a Fingerprint Reader, GPS and webcam complete the CF-31 product package*2

Compatibility that counts*3To ensure existing customers can continue to use the peripheral equipment, the CF-31 is compatible with the CF-30 and CF-29 car mounts and other peripherals such as screen protectors, docking stations and batteries from the previous generation in order to provide long term product lifecycle stability.

Backed by outstanding serviceEvery Toughbook comes with a 3-year warranty covering hardware failures for systems used as designed; with a 96-hour repair commitment and a 5-year spare parts guarantee.

Availability and pricingThe CF-31 range is available end of June 2011, with the Standard model retailing at €3699 (excluding vat).

About Panasonic ToughbookPanasonic Toughbooks are built to perform where other mobile PC technology fails. Designed to give mobile workers access to data and applications in places where it was never before possible, Toughbooks are transforming the way organisations operate. In 2010 Panasonic Toughbook had a 65.3% revenue market share of the European rugged and durable notebook computer market (VDC Research).

About PanasonicPanasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of electronic products for a wide range of consumer, business, and industrial needs. Based in Osaka, Japan, the company recorded consolidated net sales of 8.69 trillion yen (€72.65 billion) for the year ended March 31, 2011. The company's shares are listed on the Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and New York (NYSE:PC) stock exchanges. For more information on the company and the Panasonic brand, visit the company's website at http://panasonic.net/